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NEWS

Three volunteers moving and placing rocks for belay station. Photo by Eric Ruljancich
Crags Against Humanity Improvements Pilot Project Kickoff
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Wonderful .

Twenty-two motivated volunteers came out on Sunday, November 24 to give thanks and support climbing in Southern AZ by starting of the extensive upgrades that CASA is planning at making at Crags Against Humanity. (link to project)

We constructed:
 2 foundational, 150 pound steps

1 large check step
Collected ~ 2 tons of materials for additional structures

Picked up 160 gallons of assorted litter from the Mount Lemmon Highway.

Thanks to our hardworking volunteers for coming out, our stewardship leadership team of Eric Ruljancich and Andy Bennett, and all of CASA and it's supporters.


Crags Against Humanity Pilot Project

Executive summary  

This first-of-its-kind climbing infrastructure project on the Coronado National Forest is a groundbreaking initiative to upgrade the trails and landings at the Crags Against Humanity climbing area, which will:
  • Improve and secure access at these crags
  • Increase climber and rescuer safety 
  • Mitigate erosion and protect natural resources
  • Enhance climber experience
  • Strengthen climber relationships with land managers

What is it?
A groundbreaking initiative to upgrade the trails and landings at the Crags Against Humanity climbing area to secure access, improve safety, and prevent erosion. 
This project, in Partnership with the Coronado National Forest (who manages all climbing areas on Mount Lemmon), has been nearly four years in the making. 
We have applied for and received several grants and additional funding from the Forest Service totaling $80,000 to implement this project. The money will be used to pay for signage, a wag bag station, and an experienced crew to construct the hundreds of steps and thousands of feet of retaining walls and trails. 

Why is it important?
This is the first climbing infrastructure project on the Coronado National Forest since its inception in 1908—over a century!

For the past 10 years, CASA has worked closely with the Forest Service to build strong relations and allow projects such as this to proceed.

This project helps legitimize climbing on Forest Lands. It also paves the way for the Forest Service to directly support climbing and climbing access through improvements to trails, access routes, and landings. Additionally 

Bottom line: If we’re successful, this project will help secure access and improvements to our climbing areas. 

Why Crags Against Humanity?
Why not a different crag I like better
?
Crags Against Humanity was selected after extensive community and Forest Service input. It is a very visible, heavily used crag that is not in the Wilderness nor has archaeology concerns.  The site is accessible for volunteers and crew, and materials to construct steps and retaining walls are abundant.

If this project is successful, then CASA and the Forest Service will be able to consider improvements to other climbing areas. This is a huge first step to protecting and improving YOUR favorite climbing areas. 

When will it happen?
This project is already approved for construction.

On Nov 24, 2024, we will be kicking off work on the project by having an Adopt a Crag. For 10 years CASA has been powered by hundreds of volunteers contributing thousands of hours of time, and in honor of this we will be starting this project in the same way.

In early 2025, a professional crew will begin work, augmented by volunteer support. We hope to have the project completed by the end of 2025.

How can I help?
If you are experienced or like moving rocks, sign up for our Adopt a Crag. We will also be conducting a highway and crag clean-up as part of the event, so even if you prefer lighter activity, everyone is welcome. 

Also, please consider supporting CASA by joining our board and core volunteers, or by supporting us financially so we can do more projects like this one. 

Crags Against Humanity Press Release!

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Tucson, April 16, 2024

Climbing Association of Southern Arizona (CASA) is excited to announce that the Coronado National Forest has fully approved upgrades to the Crags Against Humanity climbing area as part of the Santa Catalina Trail Plan. 

Expanding on CASA's nearly decade-long, nationally recognized erosion control work at Windy Point, the Crags Against Humanity project is a first-of-its-kind pilot partnership between CASA and the Coronado National Forest to build climbing-specific infrastructure on the Forest.

Crags Against Humanity was selected with community input after rigorous assessment of potential climbing areas. The site has a long recreational season, experiences high usage, is easily accessible, and is suffering the effects of erosional impact. 

Planned improvements include belay platforms and steps built with natural materials, restoration of eroded areas, signage, a “wag bag” station for packing out human waste, and educational materials to help mitigate climber impact.

Work is planned to begin in the fall of 2024 by volunteers and paid professionals. CASA is hopeful that this pilot project will be the first of many Forest Service–supported upgrades to local climbing areas.

Windy Point Adopt A Crag
April 2024

Photo of volunteers at Windy Point Adopt a Crag event
Picture of climbers resting after moving a large rock
Seventeen dedicated volunteers contributed to the preservation of our Mt. Lemmon climbing resources at CASA's 35th official Adopt-a-Crag event at Windy Point on April 7th.
Picture of climbers moving a large rock
Picture of a rock step
Picture of a rock retaining wall
CASA volunteers continued their erosion control efforts, which have been recognized by the Forest Service, at North and South Fins. Additionally, they conducted a litter collection along Mt. Lemmon Highway to maintain the cleanliness of our climbing environment.
Picture of two people digging out an area for rock steps
Picture of three people positioning a rock step
Picture of two people clearing an area for a new rock step
The erosion control teams achieved significant progress, hauling and placing over three tons of rock on the Fins access route. This work included the completion of three massive steps and several dozen square feet of retaining wall.

​
The Grand Staircase Project, initiated by CASA nine years ago, is nearly finished. We invite you to join us at the next event to help put the final capstones in place!
Two women high-fiving after setting rocks for a retaining wall
Three women celebrating hard trail erosion control efforts
The litter collection teams also made a significant impact, collecting over 350 gallons of trash, including heavy old car parts.

A huge thank you to everyone who participated!
​

Keep an eye out for our next event tentatively scheduled for this November or December. We look forward to seeing you there!
Picture of people celebrating moving a large rock into place for a step

Crags Against Humanity Project
​Receives NEPA Approval

A Step Forward for Sustainable Climbing
March 26, 2024

The Crags Against Humanity Project, an initiative aimed at preserving and enhancing climbing areas, has recently achieved a significant milestone. The project, led by the CASA Stewardship Lead Eric Ruljancich, has received NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) approval from the Coronado National Forest (CNF). This approval marks a crucial step forward in the project's goal of adopting and improving the area known as Crags Against Humanity, located within the CNF.


This achievement is the result of over a decade of dedication and hard work by Eric Ruljancich (Stewardship Lead) and CASA, with significant support from the climbing community. Volunteers and climbers have played a crucial role in CASA's projects and programs, including stewardship events, educational programs, and anchor team efforts.

​The final Santa Catalina Trail Plan, released by the CNF in spring 2023, includes a comprehensive strategy for the Crags Against Humanity area. The plan highlights several key objectives, including the maintenance and improvement of the short approach from the paved parking area to the cliff faces. This enhancement aims to provide better access to the climbing areas while minimizing environmental impact.

Another important aspect of the plan is the maintenance and improvement of belay terraces at the base of cliff faces. These terraces will help reduce soil erosion and resource damage, increase safety for climbers, and contain the area of impact, ensuring the sustainability of the climbing environment.

To further promote sustainability and responsible climbing practices, the plan includes the installation of a kiosk. This kiosk will feature signage regarding climbing etiquette and Leave No Trace principles, as well as provide climbers with WAG bags (Waste Alleviation and Gelling) for proper waste disposal. Additionally, the kiosk will include a map of climbing areas and routes, as well as signage at trail junctions to guide climbers and minimize off-trail impact.

The NEPA approval for the Crags Against Humanity Project is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the CASA Stewardship Programs led by Eric, the CNF, and the climbing community. It reflects a commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the area while providing a safe and enjoyable climbing experience for all enthusiasts.
​
Looking ahead, the CASA will continue to engage volunteers and partners to implement the approved plan.

​Future announcements regarding volunteer opportunities and project updates will be shared by CASA. Climbers and outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to stay tuned for these updates and to participate in the ongoing efforts to support sustainable climbing practices.
​
In conclusion, the NEPA approval of CASA's Crags Against Humanity Project represents a significant achievement for CASA and the climbing community. It underscores the importance of collaboration and stewardship in preserving our natural landscapes for future generations of climbers to enjoy.
Coronado National Forest and CASA Collaborations:
CASA continues to forge and strengthen relationships with the Coronado National Forest! 

The Coronado National Forest wants to contract our own Eric Ruljancich for a few days to assess Crags Against Humanity and develop a plan to improve the area as part of their commitment to improving and supporting climbing areas. Once the plan is completed, the Forest Service will review it and then hopefully work in partnership with CASA to implement the work. There will be volunteer opportunities, so stay tuned!

Baboquivari Stewardship Event

CASA's Stewardship Team held a very successful stewardship event in the Baboquivari Indigenous Lands, with general trash and overgrowth cleanup, and improving erosion control on many trails in the area. Here are some highlights from the event. 

Many thanks to all the volunteers who have made events like these successful!
CASA volunteers celebrating a great Stewardship Day in Baboquivari
Ann Ranalli, CASA Secretary, wielding a set of loppers for trimming branches
Part of the volunteer crew taking a break for a quick photo op.
photos by Eric Ruljancich and Lora Rivera
US Forest Service recognizing Eric Ruljancich’s work:
"As a trail user, I love the Santa Catalina trail system, and it is an honor to be able to lend my professional skills to their improvement," said Outslope Trail Solutions owner Eric Ruljancich.
Photo of trail workers on the Pontatoc Trail
USDA Photo of the crew working on Pontatoc Trail #410 (12/22/2022). Red shirt: Eric Ruljancich Yellow shirt: Troy Swank Blue shirt: Cory Martin
Since 2021 Outslope Trail Solutions has been working in partnership with the National Forest Foundation (NFF) and the Coronado National Forest to help repair trails within the Santa Catalina Ranger District that were impacted by the Bighorn Fire of 2020.

Through a combination of volunteer events and targeted technical crew work, Outslope Trail Solutions has completed repairs on:
  • Butterfly
  • Finger Rock
  • Pontatoc
  • Esperero
  • Ventana Canyon
  • Cathedral Rock
  • Romero
  • Green Mountain
  • Box Camp
  • Brush Corral
  • Marshal Gulch Trails

Recently, the crew has removed 1.5 miles of dense brush from the East side of the Cathedral Rock Trail, and installed erosion control features to repair a heavily eroded section of the Pontatoc Trail.
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Before and after photos of Ponatoc Canyon Trail work. Photos by Eric Ruljancich
Additionally, a volunteer event on Ventana Canyon made improvements to make the trail easier to follow at the 2-mile mark.Work completed on the Pontatoc Trail:
  • 7 erosion control steps
  • 2 armored drains
  • 3 standard drains
For more information, see the links below:
  • Pontatoc Trail #410
  • Outslope Trail Solutions
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In 2018 CASA put together a Recreation Trails Program proposal to provide maintenance and restoration on heavily used Santa Catalina Ranger District Forest Service trails that are used by rock climbers, hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers.

The proposal stated that CASA would primarily be maintaining and restoring trails different from a 2016 Grant, but will be returning to a few areas that need additional work.

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The project accomplished the following goals:
  • Utilized the local Arizona Conservation Corps (AZCC), with crews composed of up to 100% local youth, to perform maintenance and restoration work.
 
  • Continued to develop and implement, in partnership with the Santa Catalina Ranger District, a training program to teach all trail users (rock climbers, hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers) how to perform basic trail maintenance to United States Forest Service standards.
 
  • Coordinated and deployed AZCC crews and local volunteers sanctioned by the Santa Catalina Trails Project training program (above) to perform maintenance and restoration work as needed by the Santa Catalina Ranger District.
 
  • Integrated targeted trail maintenance with CASA's (Climbing Association of Southern Arizona) existing volunteer Adopt a Crag program through joint events with AZCC and other user groups such as the Arizona Trail Association.

Mount Lemmon Highway Cleanup
May 1, 2022

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CASA volunteers came out strong on Sunday, May 1

They covered a lot of ground from the top at Marshall Gulch down to Hairpin!

  • Nearly 1000 gallon of trash
  • 1 large table
  • A bumper
  • 30 feet of pipe
  • and a dinner plate

CASA volunteers removed this and more from various locations on Mount Lemmon.

Thanks to all of our volunteers and supporters who made this possible.
Pontatoc Trail on Feb 27
A big thanks to all of our volunteers and the @accessfund National Conservation Team who came out and did the following work on Pontatoc Trail on Feb 27:
  • 9 Brand new stone steps to prevent erosion and make travel safer
  • 9 Brand new drains to prevent erosion
  • 5 Cleaned drains to continue to prevent erosion

Thank you, SoAZ!

2021 Accomplishments

11 Stewardship Events
Trail work on Finger Rock, Pontatoc, Brush Corral Trails
At Windy Point, built 16 erosion dams, 60 sq feet retaining wall, removed 6 graffiti tags
We passed 1000 bolts replaced!
On Mt Lemmon we did significant bolt replacement at Sky Valley, The Ruins, Barnum Rock, The Hearthstone, Windy, and The Reef.
At Cochise Stronghold, we replaced all bolts on many popular routes at Isle of You.  

At The Dry, many older routes had all hardware replaced.
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  • Home
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      • Events
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